Top 5 animation courses you need to know about

A report by the Precedence Research projects reveals that the global animation field will reach a whopping value of USD 642.5 billion by 2030. The technological advancements in the television and communication industries are a significant contributor to the growth of global animation industries. Additionally, the increased use of visual effects and technology has also had a positive effect on the field of animation. This is a competitive industry and therefore aspirants need to display excellent talent and competency to sustain a rewarding career. Constantly upgrading and improving artistic and technical skills is also a mandatory requirement of this industry. If you are considering a career in animation, enrolling in a course can be a great way to develop a firm creative and technical foundation. Keep reading to discover 5 universities abroad that boast reputed animation courses designed to create competent professionals!

1. Drury University (United States)

Drury University’s Department of Communication offers one of the best animation courses in the world. This course specifically focuses on helping students to grow more aware of the field. Furthermore, it has an interdisciplinary syllabus that allows you to express your creativity and position yourself for graduate study. As a student of this program, you will also get to learn about the history of animation which will give you a new perspective and inform you about the evolution of this industry. You will also need to complete nearly 47 hours of coursework.

Here are some of the creative interdisciplinary courses that this course includes –

• Drawing
• Foundation of Design and Studio
• The History of Animation
• Multimedia Storytelling

2. London South Bank University (United Kingdom)

London South Bank University offers a BA (Hons) Animation course that helps build an intellectual, practical, and creative foundation among students. The modules are primarily practice-based to help you develop your practical skills especially when it comes to 3D animation production. The different electives in the program also provide several opportunities for research and experimentation with different forms, styles, and techniques.

Moreover, this course shares specific modules with the BA (Hons) Media Production program offered by London South Bank University. The shared modules help develop a broader perspective on the field and produce creative content accordingly. This animation course emphasizes industry-standard techniques & methods, encouraging the production of visual material such as –

• Pre visualization
• Storyboards
• Concept art

As a course objective, you also develop skills related to animation & audio-visual production, as well as audio-visual presentation.

3. Sheridan College (Canada)

Sheridan College offers a BA (Hons) animation program delivered by industry professionals. The course emphasizes the classical principles of animation that include stop motion, 2D digital, and 3D. You also get to learn about developing your skills in storyboarding, life drawing, digital painting, and layout.

Once you complete Year 3 of the program, you have the opportunity of working in the industry with a three-month work placement. This provides relevant industry exposure that can contribute to practical knowledge and
skills. Furthermore, Sheridan College offers students the opportunity of interacting with employers from across the country on its annual ‘Industry Day’.

4. Universiti Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

Universiti Kuala Lumpur offers one of the best animation courses in Malaysia. The program is a Diploma in Animation and focuses on equipping you with the skills for multimedia applications. As a graduate of this program, you gain multiple career opportunities with reputed organizations. These include production houses, gaming companies as well as advertising agencies.

One of the key educational objectives of this animation course is to equip aspirants with interpersonal, verbal, and non-verbal skills. These are beneficial in supporting roles in the creative industries. Additionally, the curriculum is designed to incorporate different tools, resources, and techniques to create solutions for the various complex requirements in the industry. You will also be trained to understand management and technopreneurial activities that help support your career in the field.

5. Ulster University (United Kingdom)

Ulster University offers a BDes (Hons) Animation program with a syllabus that emphasizes TV animation, VFX features, and computer animation for games. Some of the animation courses on the syllabus include –

• Principles of design and animation
• History of design
• Theory and practice of screen production
• Storytelling and narrative

The program also includes training on industry-standard software to create interactive computer animations and designs. One of the key highlights of this program is the plethora of opportunities for international exposure to the global animation industry. Ulster University additionally offers a foundation year diploma that focuses on exploring a wide range of art and design approaches to animation.

Key Takeaways

• The animation industry is estimated to increase in valuation, creating a plethora of job opportunities for aspirants with the right qualifications.
• This field is highly competitive, and continually updating creative and technical skills is a great way to keep up with the industry.
• Pursuing an animation course from a recognized university can help aspirants build a strong foundation for a career in this field.
• There are several note-worthy universities across the world with reputed animation courses designed to produce competent professionals.

Liked this blog? Read 5 things you need to know about studying Fine Arts abroad

FAQs

Q1. Is the Diploma in Animation offered by Kuala Lumpur Universiti available part-time for working students?

Answer – Yes, the Diploma in Animation offered by Kuala Lumpur Universiti is available for students who are seeking part-time enrollment.

Q2. What is the duration of the Bachelor of Animation (Honours) programs offered by Sheridan College?

Answer – The Bachelor of Animation (Honours) program offered by Sheridan College is a 4-year undergraduate program that is divided into 8 semesters.

Q3. Which are the most active animation companies in the world currently?

Answer – The Walt Disney Company, GRAVITY Co., Sony Group Corporation, and Walmart Inc. are among the most active animation companies in the industry currently.